The title of Dayton's first skyscraper is not universally agreed upon (many give the nod to the 1892 7-story Callahan Building, since demolished) but the Reibold Building is definitely in the conversation. This structure was built in 3 sections, with the first opening in … [Read more...] about History of the Reibold Building (in 3 Phases)
Downtown Dayton, Ohio: History and Redevelopment Projects
History of the Conover Building
Image credit The Conover Building can be found at the SE corner of Third and Main Streets right in the middle of downtown. An eclectic Renaissance Revival style structure, it was designed by architect Frank Mills Andrews, who gave himself an office under an art glass … [Read more...] about History of the Conover Building
The Diner on St. Clair: a History and an Uncertain Future
Downtown Dayton is in the midst of a renaissance, and it's easy to become passionate about the redevelopment of architectural gems like the Arcade or sites with major historical significance like the Delco buildings near the ballpark. But sometimes it's the smaller, more … [Read more...] about The Diner on St. Clair: a History and an Uncertain Future
History of the Kuhns Building and the Office Mail Chute, a Dayton Invention?
The Kuhn's Building is one of Dayton's most beautiful 19th century structures downtown. It predated the Dayton Arcade by about two decades, but today it is connected to the complex and considered a part of it. The building is notable not just for its architecture … [Read more...] about History of the Kuhns Building and the Office Mail Chute, a Dayton Invention?
K-12 Tejas Gallery Aims to Rehab Historic Carriage House
According to a Dayton Regional Priority Development and Advocacy Committee (PDAC) funding request, the K-12 Tejas Gallery is looking to purchase and rehab a building adjacent to its current home. A Dayton Business Journal article stated that the group "looks to purchase … [Read more...] about K-12 Tejas Gallery Aims to Rehab Historic Carriage House
The Longworth Steam Plant: Dayton’s Lost Medieval Castle
Our recent article on the soon to be demolished Ice House Building near Chaminade-Julienne High School reflected on the area's past identify as a thriving industrial hub. Perhaps the most important building in the area, and certainly the most noticeable, was the Longworth … [Read more...] about The Longworth Steam Plant: Dayton’s Lost Medieval Castle
Then and Now: Urban Renewal at 3rd St and Wilkinson
In my book Lost Dayton Ohio I talk about the once-luxurious Robert Boulevard near the Great Miami River on the western edge of downtown. The surrounding area was largely residential, with West Third Street serving as a major thoroughfare with businesses and even some … [Read more...] about Then and Now: Urban Renewal at 3rd St and Wilkinson
Courthouse Square’s Resilience: Challenges and Possibilities for Tomorrow
In my last article, I retraced the history of Dayton's Courthouse Square. Now I'll take us from its opening in 1974 to the present day, as well as reflect on possibilities for the future. The Square: From the 1970s to Today Courthouse Square has had a rocky 50 years of … [Read more...] about Courthouse Square’s Resilience: Challenges and Possibilities for Tomorrow
History of the United Business Services (UBS) Building
I recently published an article about Woodard Development's foray into the Oregon District. Today I'll cover the history of another building they purchased just on the edge of the historic neighborhood. The former United Business Services (UBS) Building is located at … [Read more...] about History of the United Business Services (UBS) Building
The Lost Calvert Apartments on Wilkinson St
Downtown Dayton west of Wilkinson Street is an area that's lost many beautiful buildings over the years. In fact, its transformation from dense residential neighborhood to large complexes for government and educational institutions was so complete that I wrote an article … [Read more...] about The Lost Calvert Apartments on Wilkinson St